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Difference between Diploma of Nursing and Cert IV Nursing?

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Author Difference between Diploma of Nursing and Cert IV Nursing?

suzfenau

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  • Joined: Apr 2008
  • Location: Melbourne
  • Posts: 18

Fri May 23, 2008 7:05 pm

Hi, Can anyone tell me the difference between the two above mentioned courses? They both have different codes. The Diploma of Nursing (Div 2) is HLT51607 and the Cert IV Nursing (Div 2) is HLT43407, up until a few days ago I only knew about the Cert IV course (I'm in Melbourne BTW). Another question is: Is it hard to get on a Div 2 nursing course without any previous caring experience - I've always wanted to do nursing but now is the first opportunity I've had to commit myself (at age 38) so I don't want to let any more time go by taking smaller courses eg Cert III when all I really want to be is a nurse I want to jump in at the deep end if you know what I mean.

Thanks Suzie

Nicole

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  • Joined: May 2008
  • Location: Brisbane
  • Posts: 10

May 25, 2008, 06:39 pm

Hey,

Just reading a website on this written by the Royal College Of Nursing Australia (RNCA). It states that they and the Australian Nursing Federation are moving with all states to have ENs on a diploma level. This is because the scope of a EN has grown. It states that certificate IV have less knowledge and will soon have to do extra core competencies to maintain their ENs as their understanding and skills are not as in deepth as they need to be in this role any more. This is to enable national consistency and give Australians and facilities best practice.

suzfenau

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  • Joined: Apr 2008
  • Location: Melbourne
  • Posts: 18

May 25, 2008, 08:22 pm

Thanks Nicole - The course I have applied for is the diploma - so that's good news.

keeshy

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keeshy
  • Joined: Apr 2007
  • Location: Melbourne
  • Posts: 189

May 25, 2008, 08:48 pm Last edited May 25, 2008, 08:48 pm update #1

I have almost completed the cert IV (diploma was not available at the time, it came in the year after), To my knowledge the only major difference is the medication endorsement/venepuncture module. The knowledge base, and the level and depth of knowledge on everything is exactly the same as those that undertake the diploma.There is no difference. We just miss out on having the meds included.

However we can do a seperate module/course for med administration for 3 months part time and have the same qualification. Cert IV grads simply dont have the opportunity to give medications whereas diploma students do.

My course part time was 18 months, and the diploma course part time is still 18 months, but they have a few holidays cut out. So there is no real way they could have that much more information given in pretty much the same amount of time.

I dont agree with us having to do extra modules in order to keep our EN. This rumour has been spread a little bit but is simply not true to my understanding. I have been in contact with the NBV and they have told me that it is a choice to do my Meds course and if I chose not to do it I will not lose my EN. The knowledge of everything (besides medications and venepuncture) that you will have once you leave your course is no different to the knowledge I have gained.

I am sure you will love the course, whether it is diploma or cert IV.

modified: Sunday 25 May 2008 11:09:14 pm - keeshy

tropicana

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tropicana
  • Joined: Mar 2007
  • Location:
  • Posts: 62

May 26, 2008, 05:57 pm

Do you actually have to do extra modules once you have graduated (and already working) to keep your EN. Or is that while you are still currently doing the CertIV and have to convert to Diploma?

keeshy

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keeshy
  • Joined: Apr 2007
  • Location: Melbourne
  • Posts: 189

May 26, 2008, 09:00 pm

All I have to do to keep my EN is work as an EN. I dont have to actually upgrade to med endorsed or anything unless I choose to. There is no conversion neecessary as far as I am aware. If there was then they would have advised us as we are about to graduate and I have contacted the NBV and they say nothing of the sort.

I think maybe there is some misunderstanding across the board withe the diploma and the cert IV.

At the end of it, we are both EN's and those who have done their Cert IV wont lose their EN unless they dont actually work. The knowledge base is the same besides the pharmacology

megsmel

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  • Joined: Jun 2008
  • Location: Melbourne
  • Posts: 4

Jun 30, 2008, 10:29 pm

Hello Suzfenau

Where are you studying the diploma in nursing, I have tried to google it and only found that cert IV in nursing is offered in Vic? From what I can find out, the med endorsement is included from this year but as I can't afford to do the full nursing couse, I thought the diploma would be good if it is slightly better than the Cert IV.

I am new to this and trying to find out what is available. I went to the careers expo a few weeks ago and all the uni's/tafes all looked the same by the end of it.

Thanks Megsmel

suzfenau

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  • Joined: Apr 2008
  • Location: Melbourne
  • Posts: 18

Jul 01, 2008, 12:11 pm

Hi Megsmel,

The course is the regular div2 course (mine is @ 2 years part time - 2 days per week with home study the rest of the time) after this time (if you pass) you can register as a Div 2 nurse and work as a div 2 nurse. Then if you wish you can do further study this is part 2 of my course (once again mine would be part time - 2 days for @ one year) this takes you to diploma level, then you can choose to do an advance diploma in a specialist area eg obstetrics I think this takes another year of study (maybe more) - I don't think there is any one course which automatically takes you to the diploma - you have to do part one and then continue on to take part two to earn the diploma - I can't remember if you need to sit another entrance test etc to do this - I was listening at the info night but that bit of info is lost somewhere in all the other info I picked up that night LOL.

Regards Suzie

deancey

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  • Joined: Aug 2008
  • Location:
  • Posts: 61

Aug 19, 2008, 01:04 pm

hi guys

from what i am aware the diploma and advanced diplomas in nursing are only avail to those who have compelted the cert iv in nursing.

I found these courses offered at kangan tafe VIC. I was looking to complete advanced diploma after i have finished my certificate.

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